WASHINGTON, DC – A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs researcher was recently recognized by the American Academy of Audiology for his work in improving the lives of veterans and others affected by hearing loss.

Dr. Patrick Feeney was presented the 2019 Jerger Career Award for research in audiology at the American Academy of Audiology’s annual meeting March 29.

The Jerger Award is given annually to an investigator whose research contributions have significantly impacted the practice of audiology. Over the past 30 years, Feeney’s research has focused on peripheral and central auditory function in Veterans and others.

“Hearing loss and tinnitus have long been among the disabilities affecting Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The innovative research conducted by Dr. Feeney and his team is critical in finding ways to address these issues.”

Feeney directs the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, or NCRAR, at the VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon.

NCRAR, funded by VA Rehabilitation Research and Development, is the only VA research center dedicated to the discovery and delivery of innovative solutions for Veterans with hearing impairments.

The center educates Veterans and the public about preventing hearing loss and coping with tinnitus – or ringing in the ears. It partners with institutions in the community to promote education, share clinical information, and train auditory researchers and clinicians.

Feeney has worked as a clinical audiologist and served on the faculty at several research institutions.

He is a professor at Oregon Health and Science University, is active in several professional organizations and was past president of the American Academy of Audiology from 2008 to 2009. He also has been a faculty member at Ohio State University and the University of Washington.

Feeney has contributed to more than 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 11 textbook chapters for the profession of audiology and more than 50 published abstracts.

To learn more about VA research on hearing loss, visit www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm.